Britain, France sign accord on immigration controls

EVIAN, France (Reuters) - France and Britain signed an accord on Monday under which London will pay more towards tougher controls on illegal immigrants crossing from northern France.

French authorities estimate that almost 2,000 illegal immigrants are gathered in the northern coastal region around Calais waiting to try crossing the Channel to Britain with some 800 in an informal tent city known as "The Jungle."

Helped by traffickers, the illegal immigrants, many from Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea, make nightly attempts to secretly board trucks that cross the Channel by ferry.

Monday's agreement will see Britain take on a greater share of the costs of handling the problem, with London paying for new detection equipment and staff costs and the two countries setting up a new joint information centre.

"All the costs of new investment, maintenance and operations, including the salaries of staff operating the detection equipment will be taken over by the British side," French Immigration Minister Eric Besson said in a statement.

The agreement comes after longstanding French complaints that Britain does not do enough to shoulder its share of the costs of handling illegal immigrants trying to get into Britain, where they have relatives or believe they will find work.

The two countries have already agreed to break up "The Jungle," toughen border controls and set up a humanitarian reception centre for asylum seekers as well as provide food and showers.

(Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Charles Dick)